Brompton Technology’s Tessera LED processing platform and an INFiLED DB2.6 LED wall formed the technical backbone of Just for One Day – The Live Aid Musical, a West End production, in London, retelling the story of the landmark 1985 charity concerts held simultaneously in London and Philadelphia.
The INFiLED DB2.6 wall comprised the majority of the physical set, forming a three-sided U-shape 5m high and 10m wide that surrounded the entire stage, with a band platform at its centre. Four Brompton Tessera SX40 processors – two primary and two backup units – paired with eight Tessera XD data distribution units drove the display throughout the production’s run.
The configuration presented particular technical demands. The production relied heavily on live camera feeds displayed on the LED wall as part of the storytelling, making latency a critical concern. Unlike stadium concerts, theatre audiences are close enough to notice any delay between live action and its appearance on screen.
Low-brightness operation was equally important, with the system running at around 20 percent brightness for much of the show, according to Brompton. This placed significant demands on colour accuracy and image quality, with Brompton’s Dark Magic, Studio Mode and Extended Bit Depth features in continuous use. Dynamic brightness control via live IP was managed through the media server on cue, ranging from minimal levels up to full brightness at key moments. The production team also developed a custom control interface using the Brompton API, allowing operators to monitor and manage critical system parameters in real time.
Dan Trenchard, video engineer and system designer, said: “One of the key components for Just for One Day was latency. Because audiences are so much closer to the action in theatre as opposed to a stadium, latency between live action and what’s displayed on the IMAG screens becomes much more noticeable. We know that Brompton is the fastest we can get.”
Patrick Goodden, technical sales manager for UK and Ireland at Brompton Technology, added: “It’s exciting to see our technology helping to bring this iconic moment in music history to life for new audiences.”
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